Online MTS FAQ

“MOODLE” will be the LMS. Students will be assigned a Moodle username and password to access and participate in online classes during the semester. To explore Moodle’s format and function, visit the demo site: http://school.demo.moodle.net/login/index.php

Can I participate at any time or do I have to attend virtual class at a certain time?

Most classes can be completed any time. Some courses may require participation at a specific time for live discussions or virtual meetings for academic purposes.

How do I communicate with faculty?

Each faculty member will provide a syllabus and outline of the course, the course expectations and method of communication.

How will lectures be delivered?

Recorded lectures, PowerPoints, podcasts, movies, web articles, and additional digital media will replace the traditional “lecture” for distance education. Students will access the course content via the Learning Management System (LMS) “Moodle”.

Will I use e-books or hard copy books?

Textbooks required for courses will vary depending on the instructor. Most course books are available for purchase in print or as an e-book. Instructors can post documents in a variety of formats on the LMS for further reading.

How many hours per week can I expect to devote to a single online course?

A typical online course will include a mix of course readings, content media, interactive discussions, and graded assignments. The average student should anticipate devoting 2-3 hours per credit hour per week. The average student, therefore, should anticipate devoting 6-9 hours per single 3 credit course, but will vary by each individual.

When can I have my technology questions answered?

General MOODLE LMS assistance can be found through the GTU library, http://gtu.edu/library/studentmoodle. Once enrolled, you will have access to the Online MTS program coordinator.

How many courses per semester? How long until I graduate?

The MTS online degree is structured so students can complete in four semesters of 3-4 courses (plus two intensive residential courses). Most online students take 1 or 2 courses per semester while attending to their work and life commitments.

Will I have an area of concentration and, if so, what are my choices?

The OMTS is a general theology degree. Students must complete at least three courses in four broad theological areas totaling 12 courses or 36 credits. The areas are: scripture, systematic theology, culture/ethics, and spirituality/pastoral theology. Students will be able to concentrate their studies according to their own interests through their elective requirement totaling 3 courses or 9 credits.

Are courses available during January Intercession and Summer Session?

Yes. Faculty research and sabbatical schedules determine which courses are available during Intercession and Summer. Please contact the OMTS program coordinator for the most up to date information on Intercession and Summer courses. Corinna Guerrero can be reached by email at cguerrero@scu.edu and by phone at (510) 549-5072.

Can an online MTS student enroll in more than 1 course during Summer Session?

Yes. Students can enroll in more than one summer course. If students choose to take more than one summer course, it is recommended that they be during sequential sessions and not concurrently. Courses may be online, on-campus, or a combination.

Summer Session courses should be selected in consultation with the student's advisor during early registration for the Fall. For the most up to date Summer Session courses, please contact the OMTS program coordinator. Corinna Guerrero can be reached by email at cguerrero@scu.edu and by phone at (510) 549-5072.

How many classes will I be able to choose from?

Students will choose from the Jesuit School of Theology’s online course offerings of 2-4 courses per semester and the dozen or more courses offered by other GTU schools. All courses are treated the same for MTS degree requirements regardless of which GTU institution offers the course. Students are encouraged to take courses offered by other GTU schools to broaden their theological and academic formation.

Who takes online courses at JST?

The online courses offered to students taking the MTS online are part of JST’s regular curriculum. Students from any of the seven GTU schools and six academic centers may be enrolled whether they are residential or online students. The cultural, national, and religious diversity of the GTU student body provides a rich and unparalleled learning experience for MTS students. Please contact JST admissions at jstadmissions@scu.edu to determine whether the state you live in is certified through our online degree program.

STUDENT SERVICES

How do I use the library?

The Graduate Theological Union boasts one of the finest theological libraries in the world. MTS Online students will have online access to the Graduate Theological Union library as well as Santa Clara University’s library. Each library serves to complement the other in areas of specialty, electronic databases, ebooks, and digital collections of major scholarly manuscripts to offer a well rounded theological education http://libguides.gtu.edu/start.

Notice the special section for JST-SCU students at http://www.scu.edu/library/. Both libraries provide online help for students to access the collections for research.

Is there online tutoring?

Yes. The MTS Online Coordinator will assist students in finding academic or other support according to their needs and may direct students to the Assistant Dean of Student Life for information and services.

Is there an orientation? Do I need to come to JST campus for orientation?

It is hightly recommended but not required that newly admitted students attend orientation on-campus during August orientation for Fall enrollment or January orientation for Spring enrollment.

Students would have the benefit of meeting the new students enrolling in other JST and GTU programs, as well as in -person meeting and socializing with faculty and staff. Students unable to attend on-campus orientation will recieve orientation videos, links to content and forms, and attachement material from the OMTS program coordinator in lieu of on -campus orientation.

Pre-advising for OMTS students begins in July for FAll admission.

A hybrid "Meet 'N Greet" for newly admitted OMTS students will take place during August of January orientation for all new students to meet. It is highly recommended that all new students attend the "Meet 'N Greet".

I am interested in Ministry. How will professors engage ministerial development over a virtual platform?

Depending on the subject matter of the course, faculty members design assignments that allow students to apply classroom learning to their ministry context. Additionally, the MTS capstone assignment can be designed as a ministry project to integrate and apply classroom learning.

Will I be assigned an academic advisor?

Yes. Students are assigned a faculty advisor and will work with the MTS Online Coordinator, who will help them select the right courses and continue to make good academic progress during the course of their degree work.

COSTS / SCHOLARSHIP / FINANCIAL AID

Is the tuition the same as traditional students?

Yes.

How do I pay?

As with any university degree program, students will be billed by mail or electronically at the beginning of each term for which they are registered.